Module 2 - Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

Bibliography:

Blume, Judy. (1986). Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. New York: Dell Pub. Co. 

ISBN: 0440404193

Summary:

Margaret is a twelve year old girl who's family just moved to New Jersey from New York. But she is also the daughter of a Christian mother and a Jewish father. Deciding that their daughter would grow up without practicing any one religion, Margaret is brought up thinking she doesn't have a religion. Although she claims no religion, she has a relationship with God, and frequently talks to him. At her new school the class is assigned a year long project on something that is meaningful. Margaret decides that she will choose religion as her topic and attend Jewish, Christian, and even Catholic churches to see what religion she is. Along the way she makes friends and joins a secret club with four female members called the Four PTS's (Pre-Teen Sensations). With these girls, Margaret learns things about herself and growing up, such as boys, real friendship, periods, and bras. In the end, the conflict between her Jewish grandmother, and her maternal grandparents, along with having attended multiple churches and not feeling God's presence in any of them, Margaret decides that her personal connection and communication with God is what matters most.

Impressions:

I really enjoyed this book. I liked to see the conflict of Margaret as she was trying to choose a religion. Growing up in a non-religious home, I can understand her confusion as she is wondering "what to be". I also enjoy watching her mature and learn about her body. It is very humorous! Its also very interesting to see that although this was written some time ago, the pre-teen is still the same.

Reviews:

"Groundbreaking in its candor about God, religion, and puberty...She changed the children's lit landscape forever."

Ferber, Brenda. (n.d.). Top 100 Children's Novels [Review of the book Are you there God? It's me, Margaret]. School Library Journal. Available from http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2010/03/05/top-100-childrens-novels-40-36/

"With sensitivity and humor, Judy Blume has captured the joys, fears, and uncertainty that surround a young girl approaching adolescence."

 [Review of the book Are you there God? It's me, Margaret]. Publisher's Weekly. Available fromhttp://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2010/03/05/top-100-childrens-novels-40-36/

Suggestions For Use:

This book would work well for a book talk that led into a discussion about puberty and what changes the body undergoes, as well as fears, worries, or questions about the process. Its a great way to show that the children are all experiencing, or will experience, the same thing, if at different times. This book could also be used to discuss religion and God. About personal experiences with religion as well as broadening the minds to other views.